My Love Debts Are Everywhere!

"The Fated One? What happened to you?" Thalon's voice came from the side, laced with concern.

Leon abruptly opened his eyes and saw everyone staring at him with anxious expressions.

"What's going on? Why are you all looking at me like that?" he asked, confused, while gently massaging his temples.

A dull throb pulsed in his head, sending waves of discomfort through his skull.

Thalon let out a sigh of relief and explained, "Just now, you looked completely dazed and didn't move an inch. We were getting worried and were about to ask the elders for help when you suddenly snapped out of it. We're just glad you're okay."

His words caught Leon off guard. He frowned and asked, "How long was I out?"

Elina, who stood close by, answered in a worried tone, "About five minutes, Young Master. Did something happen? If you tell me, I can report it to my sister and ask for her help."

Leon was quiet for a moment, then let out a soft sigh.

"Thank you for your concern, but I'm really fine. I'm sorry for worrying you and the others," he said gently, rubbing her head in a reassuring gesture.

Of course, he couldn't tell them the truth—that he had just encountered the consciousness of the World Tree Spirit.

It wasn't something he could share with just anyone—only the Elf Queen, Zelda, might be allowed to know.

Perhaps she held the answer to the strange experience he had just gone through.

Hearing his response, everyone exchanged uncertain glances.

Though doubts lingered in their hearts, they chose not to press the issue further.

"Alright, let's go meet your queen. She's probably worried since we haven't shown up yet," Leon suggested.

"Okay!" Thalon nodded with a small smile.

With that, they began descending the hill toward the magnificent emerald palace, nestled gracefully within the branches of a towering tree.

***

From a distance, the Emerald Palace might have seemed small.

But as they drew closer, its splendor became undeniable—far larger and more majestic than anything found in the Holy Empire of Elysium, the Holy Orthodoxy, or even the Demon Empire.

Then again, it was no surprise—after all, nearly 80% of the palace was constructed from dazzling green emerald stone.

To reach the palace, which sat atop a colossal tree, they had to climb a staircase uniquely formed by tree roots, elegantly intertwined and shaped with natural precision.

"This is amazing," Leon whispered, staring down at the stairs beneath his feet.

Unlike typical palace staircases made of marble or other refined materials, this one used living roots, arranged with care and purpose.

It may not have been as luxurious as traditional stone steps, but its uniqueness and beauty left a deep impression.

When they reached the final step, a grand green gate stood before them.

Majestic and awe-inspiring, the gate's towering form made Leon feel small in its presence.

"Let's go in," Elina said cheerfully.

It had been a long time since she'd returned to the palace—and deep down, she'd missed it more than she'd let on.

"Okay," Leon replied with a small nod.

With Elina and Thalon guiding him, Leon stepped quietly into the Emerald Palace.

Meanwhile, in the throne room, the Elf Queen, Zelda, sat anxiously, her eyes darting to the door.

"How much longer will they be? Why haven't they arrived yet?" She murmured, her voice laced with unease.

As the Elf Queen, Zelda possessed vast power. She commanded the barrier that shielded the Elven lands, granting her the ability to sense any presence within a hundred-meter radius.

When she detected unfamiliar presences in the distance, she knew immediately—it was her sister and Leon.

She recognized her sister's aura so well that there was no mistaking it.

Yet, despite sending Thalon to fetch them, they still hadn't arrived.

Zelda felt a rising sense of confusion and worry, wondering if something had gone wrong.

Just then, footsteps echoed from the direction of the throne room gate.

Zelda turned and saw Thalon, Elina, and a strikingly handsome human entering the room.

Instantly, her concerns melted away. She quickly rose from her seat.

"Elina!?" she exclaimed, her eyes widening as a joyful smile spread across her face.

"Big Sister!" Elina called out happily, running toward her.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she opened her arms wide.

Though life in human territory had been pleasant, there was no place like home.

Moreover, she missed her sister terribly and felt a deep sense of guilt for leaving without saying goodbye.

Everything seemed to slow down, as though time itself had come to a crawl.

But just as Elina was only two meters from Zelda, anticipating a heartwarming reunion like the ones she had seen in the opera dramas of Rothinia, the joyful expression on Zelda's face vanished, replaced by a sharp, icy glare.

Rather than embrace her, Zelda swung her palm and struck Elina's head.

"You little brat! Do you have any idea how worried I've been?!"

*Plak!*

"Wuuu!" Elina winced in pain.

Still not satisfied, Zelda lifted Elina slightly, bent her over, and gave her a firm smack on the buttocks.

"How dare you run off and not even send a word for a whole year?!"

*Plak!*

"I've been lying awake with worry while you're out there enjoying yourself?!"

*Plak!*

"Come on, answer me! Still playing around, huh, you damn girl?!"

*Plak!*

"Whoaaa! Sister! Please, no more! I'm sorry!"

The strike was enough to send Elina into tears, the pain overwhelming her.

Earlier, she had imagined a heartfelt reunion, like the tearful scenes she had read about in novels. But instead, the reality was far from that—she was being beaten!

Typical of her sister—and the entire Elven race… So old-fashioned!

Once Zelda was satisfied, she finally released Elina, who was now wincing in pain while clutching her backside.

"Sister, you're so mean!" Elina complained, her voice filled with hurt.

Tear streaks still marked her cheeks, and fresh tears began to well up in her eyes.

Seeing this, Zelda didn't feel the slightest bit guilty. Instead, she puffed out her cheeks and pinched Elina's soft, round face.

"It's your own fault, you know? You worried me so much! For the past six months, I thought you'd been eaten by a wolf monster," she said with an exaggerated sigh. "Then I remembered—you're blessed by the World Tree, so there's no way you'd die that easily."

Zelda sighed again before continuing, "I even wondered if you fell victim to our race's curse... But neither I nor any of the other elves sensed the curse's manifestation in the Forest of Eternal Silence."

Elina fell silent as she listened to Zelda's words. Guilt was evident on her face.

Ignoring the pain in her buttocks, she lowered her head, filled with deep regret.

"Sister… I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice quivering.

No matter how much she tried to deny it, the truth was undeniable—she had made her sister worry and feel sadness.

Zelda took a slow, steady breath before pulling her hand away from Elina's cheek. She then gently patted her sister's head.

"Alright... I forgive you. But don't ever do something like that again, okay?"

Elina raised her head and nodded softly. "Yes, Big Sister."

Zelda's smile softened with satisfaction. Her gaze then shifted to Leon, and her smile grew wider.

"Welcome, Fated One—ah, I mean, Leon..."